1. The Tuition-free Trend in US Universities
Free-tuition and 100% financial aid used to be uncommon terms for students applying to colleges in the US. Free-tuition used to be offered by small colleges who wanted to attract students or by highly competitive scholarship programs. However, starting from last year, many major universities in America such as MIT, UPenn, or University of Texas have announced tuition-free policies for the 2025-2026 school year. Harvard is the latest institution to join this growing movement.
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How Harvard Free Tuition Policy Works?
Each university has its own criteria for determining eligibility, but the primary factor is family income. Students from low and middle-income households can be eligible for free tuition or free college attendance with all the costs covered by institutions instead of loans like they used to be. To find specific income thresholds and eligibility requirements, you can visit the official websites of participating universities for the most up-to-date information.
Why Does it Matter?
Over the past 30 years, college and university tuition has surged by up to 100%, according to the College Board’s report on higher education pricing trends (see image below).
Source: College Board’s Report on Higher Education Trends in Pricing and Student Aid 2024
This sharp increase has been a major driver of rising student debt in the U.S., with graduate students carrying an average of more than $30,000 in loans.
Source: Education Data Initiative
The financial burden not only affects students’ academic performance but also limits their opportunities post-graduation. Many talented students also have to give up on their opportunities to study at prestigious universities simply because they cannot afford the high cost.
The introduction of tuition-free policies at national universities is a game-changer, expanding access to higher education. Announcing Harvard’s new financial aid policy, President Alan M. Garber stated, “By bringing people of outstanding promise together to learn with and from one another, we truly realize the tremendous potential of the University.” This initiative also aligns with broader efforts to foster diversity and inclusion in higher education, creating a more dynamic and competitive learning environment to support students’ development.
For students who do not meet the income requirements for full tuition coverage, you can apply for financial aid based on their individual financial circumstances. Many institutions offer need-based financial aid programs, ensuring that financial constraints do not become a barrier to academic success.
2. Explanation of Harvard Free Tuition Policy
For the 2024-2025 academic year, Harvard’s tuition stands at $56,550, with a total cost of attendance reaching $82,886. Harvard’s financial aid program has been running since 2004, bringing opportunities to attend Harvard for all students who were admitted. The newly announced expansion in the policy has raised the eligible income threshold for free Harvard attendance from $85,000 in 2023 to $100,000 with details below:
- Students from families with income of $100,000 and below will be qualified for full financial aid at Harvard College, covering all costs of attendance including tuition, room and board, health insurance and additional fees.
- Students from families with income of $200,000 and below will be qualified for free tuition with additional aid for food, housing, or other expenses based on individual needs.
- Students from families with income of above $200,000 will receive tailored financial aid on a case-by-case basis. Students will work directly with Harvard College’s financial aid office to decide the financial support that matches their needs.
Harvard provides additional financial aid options based on students’ financial needs, including student employment, optional loans, and outside awards. The school first assesses parental contributions before determining scholarship funds and other aid to cover each student’s remaining financial needs.
How to apply for Harvard’s financial aid
The application deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year has passed. However, prospective students seeking financial aid in future years can find detailed instructions on Harvard College’s website:
- U.S. students should apply through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- International students can submit financial aid requests via the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile.
For the most up-to-date information, visit Harvard’s financial aid office website.
3. Does Harvard Free Tuition Policy Apply to International Students?
Harvard’s Tuition-free Policy for International Students
On its official website, Harvard College stated “Harvard costs what your family can afford. We make sure of that.” This statement applies equally to both American and international students who are admitted to Harvard. International students are eligible for the same financial aid as US citizens. This means that students who are not US citizens from low-income families can attend Harvard tuition-free.
However, the application process differs slightly for international students considering that they are not eligible for any financial support from US federal funding. Instead of submitting the FAFSA form, international applicants must complete the CSS Profile, providing details about their family’s financial situation. Students will need to translate their parents’ tax documents or other proof of income to meet Harvard’s financial aid requirements.
Besides Harvard, more than 100 universities have adopted a similar policy for domestic and for international students. Aralia has another article dedicated to this topic for you to explore.
With Harvard being the next Ivy Plus university to join the tuition-free trend in the US, students can hope for a future where there are more affordable higher education opportunities.
